Blowfly, a Miniscule Poem

Inspiration is a Funny Thing

It sometimes makes me smile what inspires us as writers. At times, like this, I have a burning urge to write something but have no idea what. Sometimes listening to a song will do the trick, or just a change of scenery and walking outside will spark something. This time I was just perusing book titles on my shelves and came across "Blow Fly' by Patricia Cornwell. Well, the title just seemed to stick in my head despite all the other books I looked at, and so I decided to write this piece of nonsense poetry and call it 'Blowfly.'

Incidentally, 'Blowfly' the book by Patricia Cornwell is well worth a read. It's a Fay Scarpetta novel, of which I have quite a collection, and I can recommend it.

a blowfly | Source

Blowfly

Buzzing all around the room,

Against the window pane,

Blowfly, you are quite a loon.

You really are insane.

I chase you with a can of spray

But you suddenly grow silent.

I hope that you have gone away

To avoid me getting violent.

Source

Blowfly, you won't be denied,

As soon as I sit down,

Resuming your erratic flight

From the ceiling to the ground.

You're just a humble insect

Doing what you must,

For you, though I have scant respect,

I'll shoo you or I'll bust.

Source

So, fly away and leave this room,

And don't come back you pest.

If you return it will be too soon,

To be rid of you's the test.

Blowfly, you can't beat me,

But there're many more like you,

And when you're gone I know I'll see

Another fly ... or two ....

... or three ...

Author's Note

I called this piece of writing 'nonsense poetry,' but in actual fact, it could be a social commentary representing annoying people in our lives, or things we don't like but have trouble ridding ourselves of. Things like bills that keep piling up and for every one you pay you just keep getting more.

I love the way your poems rhyme so well. Oh yes it definitely can apply to annoying people! Enjoyed reading.

AUTHOR

John Hansen

3 weeks agofrom Queensland Australia

Haha Genna. Yes, it would be nice to have a can of spray to get rid of a lot of different pests. Thanks for reading once again. This was fun to write.

Genna East

3 weeks agofrom Massachusetts, USA

This poem is such a charmer, John. Those pesky little pests that flit and nag at us, unrelenting. Reminds me of a day when we have 101 details we have to take care of when we'd much prefer to be doing something else. Oh for a can of spray that would make them fly away. :-)

AUTHOR

John Hansen

3 weeks agofrom Queensland Australia

Thank you as always, ps. Glad you enjoyed this poem.

Patricia Scott

3 weeks agofrom sunny Florida

Absolutely could be someone or something that no matter how hard we try we just cannot shake or be rid of. Entertaining and amusing as well as thought-provoking. Well done Angels once again are headed your way ps

AUTHOR

John Hansen

3 weeks agofrom Queensland Australia

Eric, reading that put a happy smile on my face. One of my burning desires is to try and encourage the younger generation to embrace and enjoy poetry. To hear that Gabe is actually getting there is great news. Glad it gave you dad/son time and you got to discuss Australia too...educational even better.

Eric Dierker

3 weeks agofrom Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A.

This was great with my son. We bumped it up a notch and he did it until he was not just reading but getting the cadence down. A light just switched on in his head, and a smile appeared. So thank you very much.

(It also got us talking about Australia and the species of flies)

AUTHOR

John Hansen

3 weeks agofrom Queensland Australia

You are welcome, Mike. Really, if a fly is my biggest worry I shouldn't be complaining. But they do get annoying :) Thanks for reading.

mckbirdbks

3 weeks agofrom Emerald Wells, Just off the crossroads,Texas

Hello John - Thanks for the smile this morning. Your poem is right on. It is funny how a fly can get to the top of a priority list in a big hurry.

AUTHOR

John Hansen

3 weeks agofrom Queensland Australia

Thanks for reading and commenting, Flourish. Yes, I know people like that too :)

AUTHOR

John Hansen

3 weeks agofrom Queensland Australia

Hi Linda, glad you found this funny. I try to respect most insects too. Even spiders and centipedes and things like that I generally release outside if possible, but flies and mosquitoes may sometimes feel my wrath..lol.

FlourishAnyway

3 weeks agofrom USA

I liked the alternate interpretations. I definitely know some people who just keep turning up like this pesky insect.

AUTHOR

John Hansen

3 weeks agofrom Queensland Australia

Haha, Shauna. That's fine, you can treat this as just a silly fun poem. All good. I was just trying to up the word count anyway.

AUTHOR

John Hansen

3 weeks agofrom Queensland Australia

Thanks Frank. Maybe someone should invent a 'people spray." It could prove very popular. :)

AUTHOR

John Hansen

3 weeks agofrom Queensland Australia

Thanks, Dana. Yes, you are right the poor insects are just doing what they do..but we don't like to be annoyed.

AUTHOR

John Hansen

3 weeks agofrom Queensland Australia

Sean, glad this one gave you a laugh. Thanks for the tip, I could have labelled it under "allegory." Have a great day.

AUTHOR

John Hansen

3 weeks agofrom Queensland Australia

Hey, Bill. Yeah, we do whatever works, right? I think my muse often has a whacky sense of humour.

Linda Crampton

4 weeks agofrom British Columbia, Canada

This is funny, John. I like your alternate interpretation of the poem, too. I try to respect all insects, but sometimes it's very difficult!

Shauna L Bowling

4 weeks agofrom Central Florida

I prefer to see this as a silly poem about an annoying fly or mosquito. Sometimes it's nice to just see things as they are and not try to read between the lines.

LOL.. this was clever.. and yeah I have a few people who buzz around me like a fly.. wish I can just spray them and rid myself of those pests..LOL.. love the nonsensical gathering of words.. awesome Jodah...:)

Dana Tate

4 weeks agofrom LOS ANGELES

John this was a cute morning read. I also get so annoyed with insects. The funny thing is they're just doing what they do and being who they are. Much like people. Blessings.

Ioannis Arvanitis

4 weeks agofrom Greece, Almyros

Ha! Ha! I loved it, John! And yes, indeed is "allegory poetry." I agree with your note. When I read it, reminded me of all those lunatic ideas that hijacking my head!

Very clever and innovative way to express irrirating buggers to bug off. :-)

- hari

Rajan Singh Jolly

4 weeks agofrom From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar,INDIA.

Inspiration surely can come from anywhere, anytime. I loved your poem John and these very thoughts have echoed within my mind when pestered by a housefly.

Mary Norton

4 weeks agofrom Ontario, Canada

I've read this book Blowfly when Patricia Cornwell was a read I enjoyed. Yesterday, I had a glass full of water waiting to blast the squirrel who was climbing up my door screen. I just wanted to blast it more to pacify myself. You have a much more creative approach - write a poem.

AUTHOR

John Hansen

4 weeks agofrom Queensland Australia

Hi, Shaloo, thank you for that comment. Glad you could relate to the not so hidden message lol.

Shaloo Walia

4 weeks agofrom India

I loced the 'nonsense' poem with a hidden message. There are people who don't add any value to our lives but only add to the stress...and we can't get rid of them too for one reason or the other.

AUTHOR

John Hansen

4 weeks agofrom Queensland Australia

Hey, Chris. Glad you enjoyed this poem. Oh, that's a coincidence because I watched a video of Mr Rogers the other day too. What an inspirational guy. He got his message across clearly and simply. Yes, that's how I usually write too :)

Chris Mills

4 weeks agofrom Missoula, Montana through August 2018

John, I love this little poem. I've had countless experiences of being inspired by simple things. I just watched a video of Mr. Rogers' final public appearance. I was impressed by the simplicity of his speech. Simple, straightforward writing is hard to beat.

AUTHOR

John Hansen

4 weeks agofrom Queensland Australia

Thank you for reading this Rinita, and for the generous comment. I would absolutely love to read that short story if you can find an English translation.

Rinita Sen

4 weeks ago

I always look forward to your poetry, and each one always comes across as a gem of its own kind. This poem reminds me of a short story written in my native language, by an author named Sukumar Ray. It was about a similar battle between a man and a fly. It was also supposedly nonsensical, but with hidden morals, just as your poem is. If I can find an English translation I will send it over to you. Thank you, John for this amusing piece.

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